We are visting Montreax, Geneva and the surrounding area for a few days at the beginning of March. Can anyone recommend good restaurants that may not break the bank? It can be a family owned spot and would rather do that than eat in a hotel. We are staying in Montreax so eating places there are welcome (breakfast is taken care of). We will be traveling by train so any towns within 2 hours that may be fun to visit will be welcome. I'm thinking of Gruyere (unless that is considered too touristy). Will be in Geneve for a day too so eating places there are welcome.

Thanks,

Rich

Hi rgucla,

I visit Montreux a lot, so hopefully I'll have some helpful remarks for you.

First, about restaurants. Unfortunately, Montreux is a pretty upscale resort-type area, and sit-down restaurants can be pretty pricey and pretty quiet. But here are some ideas

-- Stalls around the dock that sell crepes & hot dogs.

-- Italian restaurant right on the bottom floor of the big Forum in the center of town (sorry forget the name of this restaurant, but you can't miss it).

-- pizzerias everywhere

-- The Cafe de Paris in the Hotel de l'Aigle, not actually in Montreux. In Villeneuve, the town on the other side of castle Chillon. One of my favorite places to eat in the area -- an inventive and broad menu and great food. You can get there either by walking (about 90 minutes) or by taking the city bus that terminates in Villeneuve.

-- The Auberge de Rivaz, also not actually in Montreux. This place sits across the street from the lake with very nice views. In the town of Rivaz; you can get there by train from Vevey.

-- The Taverne de Chillon, an informal Italian restaurant right across the street from Chillon castle.

-- La Rouvenaz Italian restaurant, right on the main drag just across the street from the Tourist Info office at the lake. Great food -- pizzas, etc. May be just at the upper end of your budget.

Don't forget that you can always buy a picnic meal. There is a 2-story Migros (grocery store) inside the Forum. You can buy prepared salads, fresh bread, ham, cheese, spreads, cakes, yogurt, wine, water, cokes, chocolate, etc. and have a feast for about 30 chf.

Next, here is my list of favorite things to do & places to go from Montreux. These are links to my reviews, w/photos:

Montreux old town
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...reux_Vaud.html

Lavaux
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...reux_Vaud.html

Promenade Fleuri
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...reux_Vaud.html

Morges
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...rges_Vaud.html

Gruyeres
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR..._Fribourg.html

Saanen
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...wiss_Alps.html

Gstaad
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...wiss_Alps.html

Note: the Lavaux won't be pretty in March! Think brown twigs sticking out of hard-packed mud.

Anyway, enjoy!

s

S,

Thanks so much for ALL of the information. I know Montreux will be expensive and a few meals will be pricey. I wanted to see if there were other reasonable gems that someone might know about. The other information should prove truly useful.

You have been most helpful.

Rich

Going to the open air farmers markets are fun. It is in Montreux on Friday morning under the pergola on the main street, and over in Vevey on Tuesday and Saturday mornings. Lots of fun and good things to eat (cheese tarts, little pizzas, pastries).

The bakeries are excellent and most feature some ready made sandwiches.

In Vevey the large grocery store called Manor/Placette has an incredible deli section with many many items that would work for you to take with you ready to eat.

I have eaten out often in Vevey and Montreux, but honestly don't know the names of any of the restaurants. I mention this only to say, don't worry you'll find places. More easily in Vevey than Montreux. Especially at lunch-time week-days look for small Mom & Pop restaurants with a chalk board out on the sidewalk featuring the daily special. These are usually good food and good prices.

Gruyeres makes a nice 1/2 day trip. I love the castle there.

Don't miss going to Chateau de Chillon in Montreux. And taking the tram up Roches de Naye if the weather is clear.

I appreciate the tips, Suze. I am printing out the information.

Rich

Rich- You're most welcome, happy to help. I have an old friend who lives there now, so have visited 5 times. Wait until you see(!) it's an incredibly beautiful part of the world... there along Lac Leman.

In Montreux, this restaurant will perfectly meet your expectations:

Caveau des Vignerons, 30, rue Industrielle

It is in the heart of Old Town, a short walk from the coast, a very romantic setting, both inside and outside, and serves wonderful fondues.

Traveller,

I am glad you mentioned that. I saw that restaurant in my internet searches. It looked good and glad to get confirmation.

Rich

Bookmarking for next trip - Thanks.

hi rgucla,
we stayed a night in Vevey and ate [and slept] at the hotel [hotel de la marche?] on the market square. Very nice meal - not cheap but not too expensive, though I can't remember how much exactly.

Vevey is a pleasant place for a stroll and is accessible on the boats. thre is a very good market on a sat am.

regards, ann